Richard Boatwright It is almost spring here in Indiana. The horses are fresh and as we start riding again I am looking for groundwork exercises or exercises to just see where my horses minds are at before I get in the saddle.
I am watching your snaffle bit series currently and loving it but what exercises or checks do you do to help ensure your horse has gotten the fresh off before you get on?
I think having a watch of the Nachees colt starting and Stardust softening the older horse, some great info on what to look for in the early episodes and different requirements for the type of horse to get the fresh off and switch them on to learning mode by obeying the code and what it means to a youngster and an older horse
Michelle Werner I always want them to move around either in the round pen or on a lunge line until they relax. I'll change directions several times along the way. That will usually tell me where their head is. If I have a horse at a trot and then change direction quickly, he'll almost always tell me how fresh he is. If he squeals or jumps around, I'll just keep working on it until I can get those changes and departures nice and quiet. Have fun!!
I agree with Stephen those two series are full of knowledge. Great place to start.